Blue lights are appearing across communities on Colorado's Eastern Plains as residents honor Lakewood Police Agent Nicholas Graham, who died in the line of duty on Nov. 5. Graham, 33, grew up in Strasburg, where neighbors and first responders are joining the tribute and expressing their support for his family.
The effort spread on social media Monday night, prompting displays in Strasburg, Limon and Bennett. Bennett's town buildings were among the places illuminated in blue. Along the I-70 corridor, the response has brought neighboring communities together around a family with ties to the area.
Strasburg resident Kimberly Aberle said she found a blue light downstairs and put it outside after learning about the effort. For her, the gesture reflected how residents respond when someone nearby is struggling. She said people in the community come together when a neighbor is hurting, offering support through actions such as the light displays.
Bennett Town Manager Trish Stiles described the response as an expression of the care residents have for one another. She said people along the corridor support their neighbors and demonstrate compassion when their community needs them. The blue lights on town buildings joined those appearing elsewhere as the tribute gained momentum.
Strasburg Assistant Fire Chief Patrick Conroy said that sense of responsibility extends beyond the boundaries of individual towns. Whether someone comes from Bennett, Strasburg, Byers or Deer Trail, he said, kindness remains important to the people who live in the area. Neighbors described helping one another as an ordinary part of life in these closely connected communities.
The Strasburg Fire Protection District was installing blue lights Tuesday as residents prepared for a second night of the tribute. Fire Chief Dominick Maestre said the district has personal connections to Graham. Its participation, he said, was intended to show Graham's family, mentors and the wider community that they have the district's support.
With Graham's memorial service only a few days away, first responders from Strasburg also planned to attend and pay their respects as both emergency personnel and neighbors. Maestre said a loss within one agency is felt by others, bringing them together to support those affected.
Aberle said the community's willingness to help would continue beyond the blue light displays. If Graham's family needs further assistance, she said, they can ask, and residents will be ready to offer as much support as they can.
